The Met Office has warned people to "take care" during Storm Austen and Storm Boelo over the coming days as there is a risk of fallen branches and trees. The two named storms are set to batter the UK with heavy rain and strong winds, with gusts of up to 80mph expected in parts of the country.
Storm Austen is forecast to sweep across the UK on Friday (October 23), followed closely by Storm Boelo on Saturday (October 24). At the time of writing, the Met Office has issued six severe weather alerts affecting the UK over the coming days - one amber wind warning, four yellow wind warnings and one yellow rain warning.
Wind Warnings Across Northwest England
A yellow weather warning for wind is in force across Greater Manchester and other parts of northwest England on Friday, as wind gusts could reach as high as 55mph. The alert, which will be in force between 10am and 9pm on Friday, reads: "A spell of strong winds, touching gales at times, associated with Storm Austen may bring some localised impacts."
Further description reads: "Whilst the winds across the warning area are not expected to be as strong as those further south and west, a spell of inland gales is possible with gusts around 45 to 55mph during Friday daytime. In combination with locally heavy rain and many trees still in full leaf, there is potential for some power outages and travel disruption."
Storm Boelo Brings Heavy Rain and Strong Winds
After naming Storm Boelo, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer, said: "Storm Boelo will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England over the weekend, impacting the opposite end of the country to Storm Austen."
"Gusts of 70-80mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground are possible, with 50-60mph gusts more widely. The strong winds will be accompanied by heavy rain, making for an impactful weekend of weather. Severe weather warnings and forecast detail will continue to develop, so people should keep up to date with the forecast over the next few days."
Fallen Trees and Coastal Risks
Ahead of that though, Met Office Chief Forecaster Neil Armstrong, has warned of the risks of fallen trees and branches. "We've updated Amber and Yellow severe weather warnings for Storm Austen," Mr Armstrong said. He continued: "This is the first stormy weather in the south of the UK this season and we expect some disruption as it moves through."
"With trees in leaf, it is likely fallen branches and trees could obstruct roads and railways so take extra care on the Friday morning commute."
On top of the danger posed by fallen trees and branches, the Met Office has warned that strong winds will lead to large waves and dangerous conditions around the coast of Wales and southwest England. People have been urged to stay away from cliff edges and well back from stormy seas that can sweep you off your feet.
Ahead of the storms, the Met Office has said there are steps you can take to protect your property from damage and other people from injury. People should check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them in high winds. These items include: bins, plant pots, garden furniture (bring inside or secure in place), trampolines (turn upside down or secure with tent pegs), and sheds (ensure doors are locked).
